The Fatimid Caliphate and the first Shia state was established in 909 in North Africa, and soon extended into Sicily, Egypt, Palestine and Syria. This period of almost two centuries is often referred to as a ‘golden age’ in Ismaili history. The Fatimids placed a high value on intellectual activities and Cairo, their capital city, became a flourishing centre of scholarship and learning.
The Fatimid period was also noteworthy for its patronage of artistic activities (over 200 categories of artisans existed) and some of the finest works of art in the history of Muslim civilisation were produced during this period. The examples of carved woodwork, textiles, ceramics, stone and ivory, glass, metalwork and jewellery that have survived from this period provide a glimpse of the magnificence that once surrounded the Fatimid court. It is in recognition of these intellectual achievements and cultural contributions that the French Orientalist Louis Massignon designated the tenth century as the ‘Ismaili century’ of Islam. Not only did the Fatimid period mark a glorious age in Ismaili history, but also “one of the greatest eras in Egyptian and Islamic histories [and] a milestone in the development of Islamic civilization.”
From the website of the Institute of Ismaili Studies
http://www.iis.ac.uk/view_article.asp?ContentID=105703
Ismailimail 
Indeed. During the early explosion of the Islamic Empire after the death of the Prophet(pbuh), Hazrat Ali, the fourth Caliph, sent a message to the governor of Egypt to the effect that Islam would not be a threat. The governor was only asked to make his society an equitable one, in keeping with the ethics of Islam.
Today, the Egyptian government is realizing that besides the pyramids, mummies and ancient history and antiquities, there is a whole “Fatimid Cairo” that tourists can enjoy. The AKTC and the AKAA and AKAM are very much in the forefront of helping thrust this project forward, enabling the quality of life of the citizens of the areas to improve dramatically.
By the way, Al Azhar Park is truly a jewel, with its restaurant atop, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, although not Fatimid, was a treat to see. Imam Hakim’s mosque is today used by a group of Ismailies from Lahore, and women frequent as well.
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